BACK OF THE DRAGON: Ride Virginia's FIRST designated MOTORCYCLE ROUTE

What to know before traveling THE BACK OF THE DRAGON, Virginia's FIRST designated MOTORCYCLE ROUTE! The “famed” Back of the Dragon” in Tazewell County is Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route, boosting thirty-two miles or 51 kilometers and over three hundred curves.
Often the places, that you didn’t expect anything from, will surprise you the most. Often a detour, or a route that was not on your itinerary will impress you more than anything else. Join my spontaneous ride on the famous Back of the Dragon in Virginia - and visit a state with me, that I have never traveled before.
00:00 Intro the Back of the Dragon
01:02 From the Blue Ridge Parkway to Virginia
04:02 Riding to the start of the Back of the Dragon
04:45 the Back of the Dragon
08:34 The best town to stay: Tazewell (and the Litz Mansion!)
14:21 Another riding day in Virginia: Breakfast in Bluefield, Virginia's tallest town
// NEW EPISODE OUT EVERY THURSDAY 19.30 CET
// Time of the journey: May-June 2022
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// Riding a Yamaha Ténéré 700. Bought the motorcycle myself in 2021 in Los Angeles
Watch the review of my european Yamaha Ténéré 700 here:
• YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700: The...
//Equipment & Gear:
- Touratech Companero Summer Jacket & Pants (given to me by Touratech after my old suit got stolen on the ship from westafrica)
- BMW GS Gloves (self bought)
- Alpinestar Toucan Boots (self bought)
- Klim Krios Pro Helmet (self bought)
- Leatt Neckbrace (given to me by Leatt as my self-bought neckbrace was still in Africa)
- Very old raingear
Watch the review for my helmets here:
• BEST MOTORCYCLE HELMET...
//Filmed with:
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 rIII
2 x Go Pro Hero 8
DJI OSMO Pocket
Iphone 12
Tripod: Manfrotto BeFree
Tripod Iphone: Joby GorillaPod
Editing Program: Final Cut Pro X
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#backofthedragon #backofthedragonvirgina #got2go #learieck

[@22Blimp]

I live in Wytheville Va. & ride all this stuff. Made me proud that all the people you met were kind. Glad you liked Gods Country.👍

[@RockinRandall420]

Virginia is such a beautiful state, and the folks that live there are some of the most friendly people in the states! 😊

[@happyfeet231259]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bQn4ecqL5mnqs

[@Got2Go]

Definitly! I was so surprised by everything - by the beautiful nature, the locals … just loved it!!!

[@bombshellbambina]

That is so nice to hear! Me and my fiancé are moving from yucky Georgia and are hoping for nothing but the best! ❤

[@sirtango1]

Anywhere in Southwest Va is a great place to ride. I live on the Crooked Road, a section of route 58 connecting Bristol to Gate City. It’s not unusual to count 500-1000 motorcycles on the weekend. Some roads are used by both bikes and super cars such as the snake in Northeast Tn. You’re just as likely to see Lamborghinis and Ferraris as Harleys and Yamahas. Have fun and stay safe! 😊

[@charlesharris2749]

Back of the Dragon looks well worth the ride. Look forward to seeing Bramwell. Happy trails!

[@Got2Go]

Yes I will take you to very interesting places next week!!

[@makeitrelative]

Hey Lea! This Episode just brings Me back Home. I lived in Tazewell for 19 years and really miss those Virginia Mountains! "Go Bulldogs!"

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi Lea, really enjoyed the video, it always makes me feel good when people are so friendly, plus you had perfect riding weather on this episode. Thank you.

[@Got2Go]

Yes it was all In all just a perfect day! And yes, unbelievable nice locals! 😍

[@jpisme9082]

Sold all my bikes and decided to go with a adventure bike. Best thing I've done in my 50 plus years of riding. Now I enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to riding. Nothing beats riding back country roads. Everyone ride safely and enjoy.

[@jkmotorcyclegloryroads532]

Absolutely lovely episode!!!! We smile every time we watch and look forward to your new posts every week. Thanks to you, we’re planning to follow this episode’s route ourselves, in the future! Looking forward to West Virginia next week! 👍👍👍👍

[@Got2Go]

Thank you for watching! 🤗❤️

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Thanks for the very scenic video of Virginia. The back of the dragon would be far more appealing to me for the same reasons that you stated. I am not into crowds either.

[@Got2Go]

Definitly back of the dragon if you want to avoid the busy tail! It was really a lovely ride!

[@billhamill]

Skulls Gaps, VA is at 3:20 . My mom grew up 3 miles from there a short distance from the bottom of the mountain. There's lots of relatives in the valley. I live in Roanoke, VA and it's amazing how many places that I've recognized in the countryside.

[@geertdeschryver982]

Hi Lea, my name is Geert, I'm from Belgium and I love to tour around Germany and Luxembourg with my r1250 gs. Your videos are beautiful to watch. Keep on doing! Regards, Geert

[@jenk.4906]

What a great ride , we were in Tazville last year November.. it’s so quaint and friendly.. I’m happy you’re seeing true America with really friendly people and beautiful scenery and towns.. enjoy!

[@Got2Go]

It’s really so friendly. I actually only met friendly people in virgina. Don’t know if was lucky or if it is a especially friendly state…

[@stephenburchett8263]

Just watched your back of the dragon video. Thought it was really good and enjoyed the amazing scenery. Its definitely on my list for my trip to the USA. Ride safe and best wishes...Steve

[@Got2Go]

Definitly much less traffic there than on some other dragons 😍🤗

[@StatzDontLie]

I live nearby in Bristol on the Virginia/Tennesse border and I do alot of real estate photography and even after growing up in this region I just discovered the backroads around tazewell recently and I LOVE riding up through there. If you ever make it down that way again you should check out Burke's Garden. It's not far from the Back of the Dragon and from the air it looks like a HUGE crater but there's a little community down inside it and everything. It was great to see this area from the perspective of someone not from here too. I think we're so jaded to the surrounding mountains sometimes that we forget how beautiful of an area we live in.

[@sulaimanA]

that was an absolutely amazing presentation of dragon Virginia , as usual , wonderful photography, really breathtaking scenes, i love the courage you show to go and do everything by yourself , good luck Lea 😍👍

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much!

[@paulbronnenberg2075]

THANK YOU .... the winter season is upon us here in TEXAS and our Daylight Savings time changes very soon so I am back to riding short day rides and watching your UTUBE channel. So "thank you" for your EXCELLENT tours. I will have to put Virginia on my bucket list !!!!

[@Got2Go]

That’s awesome! And it’s the same here in Europe, it’s getting really cold!!!

[@VikingOnTrail]

In my mind, Back of the Dragon is the best of the dragons. Having ridden this scenic road many times, I submitted the BotD to Southern California Motorcycle Club. It is now on the Best 15 USA Rides for 2023. Keep on riding safely Lea. I enjoy looking thru your eyes as a different perspective on so many roads I have traveled multiple times!

[@christophmensch3945]

A really very inspiring motorcycle adventure, the riding, the sceneries, the friendliness, wow! Thanks a lot and see you next week!

[@Got2Go]

Thank you for joining again again! But I think too the friendly locals made this day so special. Just such nice People I met this day 😍

[@josephbull2209]

Oh and don’t miss Hungry Mother State park. Very pretty place with camping year round, I believe. Oh the memories! Thank s for this post.

[@ABDULBASIT-10]

WHAT A LOVELY DRAGON ROAD 🙃 RIDING THERE MUST BE REALLY EXQUISITE🏍

[@nunyun1346]

Thanks for visiting our wonderful town. If you find yourself by here again I highly suggest you visit the Burke's Garden community as well. Safe travels God Bless

[@nasirbasra]

8:55 one Hy from my side to Gye 👍 Nice and soft... Dragon story very quiet and calming route ♥️

[@Got2Go]

👍🏻🙏🏻

[@UncleBobsbikelife]

Great episode👍🏻

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks, that was fun. ✌🏻👊

[@mmorlan1481]

Epic video yet again. Thank you !!

[@Got2Go]

Thanks!!!

[@daveydoo3173]

Wow.. Virginia is so beautiful and lovely friendly people, its looks amazing.. ❤❤

[@johnr3430]

Just went down. Thanks for the video. It gave me a great heads up.

[@BlackThor15]

Amazing episode Leah, thank you, your video intros are something else!! 👍👍

[@jesseonamotorcycle]

Great video, I would love to travel these roads one day 👍🏼 keep up the good work.

[@twodaniels]

My wife is from St Paul, VA, not far from Tazewell, but we live in central NC. We love riding the parkway, and might have to check out the Litz.

[@ACE-or8bo]

Another Great Video Lea.

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!‘

[@Schweinmesser]

wow!! Just amazing! That's a bucket list ride for sure. Tazewell looks great! I love small towns. Ride safe!

[@rickkearn7100]

Your ability to improvise and modify your trips shows much experience. Another wonderful post! Cheers.

[@edwardmiller6353]

Great video! Thank you!

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!

[@fabricegrard1001]

The road is superb, thanks for this journey the voice&eyes

[@MontanaBooniesRider]

I've watched your adventures for years. I'm planning to ride this area next September, I feel this is a lovely preview to what I'll be seeing and experiencing. Thank you!

[@turtlescycle]

Love the video! Definitely some great riding along the Back Of The Dragon and Hungry Mother State Park! Glad you enjoyed your ride!

[@Timm_W_h_i_t_e]

My neck of the woods! Have drove it 100s of times

[@grogman1911]

Good video. Sounds like you have had quite the adventure. I always meet the nicest people when I'm on a ride.

[@lindap.p.1337]

You missed me! In Roanoke, off of the BR Parkway, you can see my home. You must come back and see our state.

[@sammayet9002]

Beautiful, spectacular and awesome ❤

[@Got2Go]

Thanks 😊

[@tgiby9062]

Thanks for reppin my state!

[@eeboy1778]

I’ve just found your channel. This is the first video i’ve watched and I really enjoyed it. I’m now looking forward to watching more. Many thanks, 🙏

[@tonniessing2274]

What a beautiful trip and beautiful scenery, thanks again for sharing!

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much!

[@x101abndevil4]

You never fail to amaze, educate and entertain me with your videos.....thanks again for another great one!

[@Got2Go]

Thank you for these nice words! 😊

[@ROTV-DanLockhart]

Everything is soooooo green! The drone shots were beautiful as usual! Thanks, Lea!

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much! It was definitely a good ride!

[@vernonpoweakabolo]

Awesome video. Informative and makes me want to get out and ride The Back of The Dragon.

[@jensdji4875]

wie immer grosses Damentennis. Danke sehr schöne Tour.

[@noone-cf2zo]

so inspiring

[@Got2Go]

Thank you 😊

[@danielgiorgi514]

Excellent beautiful roads and villages!!

[@Got2Go]

They are 🤗😍

[@notageekotay]

Awesome content! I will be riding the Back of the Dragon this week coming up for the 1st time! Looks awesome! Soooooooo excited!

[@patrickvincent70]

Hi Lea. I did not know about the back of the dragon road. Thanks for sharing this discovery.

[@Gullafrah]

Great work , wonderful as always...thanks … beautiful lea....

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!

[@santiagoboglione2215]

Wow, I always get in "Dream time" with your rides , big thank you. 💐

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@jkelly1701]

amazing really enjoyed the vlog.

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!

[@lpete531]

What a beautiful road with amazing scenery 👍🏽 thanks for sharing and be safe 🙏🏽

[@Got2Go]

You too! Always a safe ride!!

[@chriscm6461]

Thanks Lea, enjoyed the trip.👍👍

[@Got2Go]

Awesome! 💃🏻

[@garethjones6672]

Absolutely beautiful scenery and your usual engaging narration 👍

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!

[@ttrguy9952]

Lea My friends and I do ALL the Tail of the Dragon routes every year. There are over 315 turns in 11 miles!!!! There are some even better rides that are not on any map. The Back of the Dragon is a beautiful ride! Great Video Lady! Glad you enjoyed some Southern Hospitality. Ride SAFE and BE safe Lady! Of course you get plenty of Roses and Vases to keep them fresh! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🏆🏆 🙌👏👏👏👏👏👏🖖✌🤙👌👋🙂🙂

[@Got2Go]

The dragons are definitely worth a ride - if I would Live closer I would go back there too! Thank you so much for the roses like always! 😍😍😍

[@ttrguy9952]

@@Got2Go ❤

[@lmstrutt]

Super! Das Video war schön. Vielen Dank. [My wife and I, at 67 years old, have started learning German] 🙂

[@Got2Go]

Oh that’s awesome!!! Ich hoffe euch hat das Video gefallen und ihr seid nächste Woche wieder dabei!

[@sharrison56]

The Back of the Dragon is a great ride. We were there in September and had lunch at the Front Porch. Really good food. Tazewell is a nice little town.

[@Got2Go]

Yes, I had the best food in days at the front porch! Tazewell is really a nice town!

[@sharrison56]

@@Got2Go there are some really tight switchbacks on the back of the dragon. Much tighter than on the tail.

[@jamesmelendez4549]

Excellent video. That might be my next road trip. Thanks. 👍🤙🤙

[@Got2Go]

Would be a good choice!!!

[@omnitrus]

Beautiful scenery and what a friendly bearded man ! Thank you Lea and a wonderful video with excellent drone footage !

[@Got2Go]

They were all so friendly, the guys! 😍

[@zweispurmopped]

That area really looks nicely sleepy. A one to pass time easily! 🤗

[@Got2Go]

Definitly! 🐉

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done. I have road all. Those roads .your videos are awesome. Looking forward to the rest of them. Cheers to ya.

[@Got2Go]

Thank you Bruce!!!

[@AdvenTrisMoto]

excellent video lea .... also love the roads where no one distracts you. I am currently on a little tour myself in Holland and I know exactly what you mean when you say you love them I was on my way to holland from france and I came accross this long twisty forest road with not a car in sight for 20 km and it was sensational

[@michaelcarter2232]

Awesome. Brought back some memories. My brother and I did Back of the Dragon this last April. I feel the same way, I like this Dragon better than Tail for the same reason. Much less busy. Love your videos.

[@Got2Go]

Oh wow, we were nearly there at the same time, my trip was in may!

[@jimmyt55]

I enjoyed your travels. Your narration was lovely also. I’m glad you filmed this for our enjoyment. I’m from Chicago area, and actually am making plans for a ride there this season. I’m hoping to add an action camera to record my adventures on my Goldwing.✌️

[@ZitroMotovlog]

Amazing road trip! 🙌

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!

[@JagLite]

Back of the dragon, knee, elbow... very funny! It looks like a beautiful area to ride. We're riding with you!

[@Got2Go]

It definitely is! And happy you are joining the trip!!!

[@o.stucki9304]

Nice video, we shall have to take a ride on the Back of the Dragon too. Thanks for the info.

[@bengtjohansson5221]

Thanks Lea for shering. The roads looks soooo mc-frendley. And the peopel sems nice. Thank you.

[@Got2Go]

Yes it was such a peaceful day all in all! Love the back of the dragon!

[@jimweagant8920]

Great video thanks for sharing. I did that ride 3 years ago and the front porch is a good place to eat

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much - I loved the food at the front porch, best I had in days!!

[@joycefranklin8981]

I just came home from a 2 week stay in West Virginia. It is a beautiful state full of friendly people. I also love Virginia, have stayed many times in Hungry Mother State Park and driven the Back of the Dragon many times, albeit by car. It can be a fun drive that way also. The first time I drove it was in a heavy fog, terrifying! I am elderly now and live in NE Ohio about 430 miles way from where you started north on route 16 at Hungry Mother. So this brought back a lot of great memories! Thank you. Have a great trip and stay safe.

[@mikebunner3498]

This sounds like a FUN trip. Plan accordingly.... Not very populated and / or many improvements (fuel, lodging, food). This is typical of these folks. Helpful, respectful, kind. Some very good eateries. I am tickled pink that you spent time in my home state of West Virginia. Bluefield is very far south i but still in West Virginia. Ride careful we only have two(2) trauma hospitals in the state. And you do not want to be there as part of your adventure. Just take your time & have FUN. I must confess I am biased in my feeling and love for West Virginia..!!! I cannot help it. We were happy to have had you, please come again.

[@kurtruppenthal9506]

Great video Lea. We didn't get up to the back of the dragon this summer. After seeing your video, we will not miss it next summer for sure. Thank you.

[@Got2Go]

It’s really a lovely ride! And so short from the parkway!

[@princessmorning5332]

Woohoo Marion Virginia is my childhood hometown ❤❤❤

[@bessiemann7468]

Oh you're in my state. Back of the Dragon is a great ride been on it many times

[@chadcrigger3101]

Lol i love hearing people mispronounce the names of the area I live in. I don't mind i think it's funny. Don't worry to much about the people here . We are very friendly. I am glad you enjoyed the ride and the scenery.

[@usamahaddad8305]

Thanks Lea. You have awakened my memories of riding those roads. And it always is a great feeling when one meets some wonderful and helpful local folk. Looking forward to your next adventure video. Safe riding.

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much! Happy that you have enjoyed these roads too in the past. They are awesome!

[@usamahaddad8305]

@@Got2Go Yes they are awesome. Looking forward to your next video. Enjoy and be safe.

[@larryjett3544]

Great ride

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much!

[@will1231]

You missed the dragon in Tazwell, but was great you got to ride the back of the dragon cool.

[@Supermankev2001]

Great content I just subscribed I am going to the Back of the Dragon in 3 weeks I can hardly wait.

[@carlbruhn1772]

Watched your video with my wife this evening. Once again your drone footage is well done, we would love to see more of that in your work. It is an art and you clearly have the gift.

[@Got2Go]

Thank you so much for these nice words! 🤗

[@samhill3496]

Hi Lea. Fun riding in my backyard. There is so much more to see. Hope you make back over again and have the op to do some more riding in the area. Much, much more. Beautiful roads and high mountains. Come on back over next year.

[@Got2Go]

Definitly would love to!!!

[@ricksmith1842]

Thanks!

[@carlnyberg2934]

Oh no! Now the whole world knows about The Back of the Dragon. Loving your trip!

[@Got2Go]

Sorry 😂🤗

[@redsorgum]

As I mentioned before, I liked my time in Virginia when I was in the army. And yes, I remember the people being very friendly. The backroads look perfect for riding a Vespa 150…….😉😘🤪 Excellent video, thanks for posting this. 🙏🏻👏👏👏👏

[@Got2Go]

I would love to ride a vesp basically everywhere 😍😍😍

[@TBdown70]

Yah that is a great ride and yes it's hard to know where Borders are in the Country. Their are a few routes that are dirt one being portions of the TAT and MABDR. If you thought VA was no one on the roads WV is even more in the sticks with no one on the roads and lots of Service Roads that are dirt.

[@Got2Go]

Definitely- you will see that in the next episodes! 😍🤗

[@FERNWEH25]

Hi Lea. Greetings from Indonesia. I admire your works. You clearly love travelling so much and put your hard work on what you do, it's extraordinary! Those beautiful places you've been to, are my dream places since I was a little girl. Thank you for giving me a vision through your journeys. Lea, I really can't thank you enough. Even though I may never be able to go to those places myself, but at least now I've seen them from you. I always knew that they are beautiful, but you've made it much more wonderful. Best of luck and take a good care of yourself. Ratih

[@princegilgiti2656]

My most fvt beautiful... vlogger Informative clear voice, amazing camera stuff, powerful bike .. Love you ...

[@Got2Go]

Thank you!!

[@princegilgiti2656]

@@Got2Go u most welcome beautiful Rider 😍

[@twobikesandadrone]

Another great adventure!! We used to live in the Shenandoah Valley part of Virginia (Lexington/Fairfield) and have such great memories from those days. Not sure where you're going next, but sure do enjoy riding along with you!!

[@Got2Go]

I will probably go to tha areas very close where you lived! Stay tuned for the next episodes! 🤗

[@joefeury1218]

I really enjoyed your video,,,, I am from white sulphur springs West Virginia,, about two and a half hours from where you are at...

[@LXDDLE10]

So glad you enjoyed the Tail of the Dragon and the mountains of SW Virginia. It's our backyard playground.

[@Got2Go]

You are living in a beautiful place then!

[@virginiatrailcameravideos]

Enjoyed the video. I live in the Commonwealth of VA but I have not taken on this route just yet.

[@krob-sn7ek]

You sound like Itchy Boots !! That is a good thing. I reslly enjoyed your trip, that was nice ! MA BDR runs right thru there to for off road riding

[@auveabir865]

the full of beauty

[@Got2Go]

Really was so nice 😍

[@lynntyler8682]

Hope to ride this one day

[@billball7110]

Be there, done it, going back in July✌️

[@Hogdriver88]

Almost rode the Tazewell/Bluefield area this summer - had a hotel booked there, but had to cancel. Looks like a great area to ride - maybe next year… 👍👍

[@Got2Go]

You should for sure try to do it next year, it’s really lovely!